Netball
Chris Pike 6y

Fever coach focused grudge match

Netball

West Coast Fever coach Stacey Marinkovic demanded a response from her group and got it as they returned to the top of the Super Netball table with a big win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds.

But their attention already is on a Collingwood grudge match.

Fever regained top spot on Saturday night with a commanding 76-56 win over the winless Thunderbirds at Perth Arena.

It was the response Marinkovic was hoping for after a 14-goal road loss to Melbourne Vixens.

"As soon as they walked into the changeroom you could tell from the atmosphere they were really focused and there was a lot of talk," Marinkovic said.

"They really looked after themselves this week, not that they don't normally, but they did every single little thing to clear their minds, get focused on the game and get connected."

Following road losses to the Queensland Firebirds and Vixens by a combined 24 goals, some question marks were beginning to emerge over Fever's title credentials.

However, Marinkovic is proud of the way they continue to perform at home to still be unbeaten and knows how important that is given they have the biggest travel burden in the competition.

"When you look at all the results at the moment, the home court advantage is really playing into team's favour," she said.

"We know travel is part of the competition and we have to make this an absolute fortress here and nab some games on the road.

"Beating Lightning on their home court was a massive result and we have to keep reminding ourselves of the little things we've achieved in this first half of the year."

Fever beat Collingwood at Perth Arena back in round three by 11 goals in a contest that became spiteful late, and spilled over after the game.

Marinkovic has no trouble turning her focus to playing them in Melbourne on Saturday.

"We know that Collingwood are very physical in their approach and it will be hard ball contest. Our focus turned to them pretty much straightaway," Marinkovic said.

"Throughout the game we are taking notes on the things we are going to apply at the beginning of the week and it's into Collingwood straightaway."

Under pressure Adelaide Thunderbirds coach Dan Ryan chose not to speak to reporters after the match due to recent media speculation.

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